HIV-1 Ab

HIV-1 Antibody

What's

HIV-1 Ab

HIV-1 Antibody (HIV-1 Ab) is a protein made by your body's defense system when it detects the presence of HIV-1, the most common type of Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus mainly attacks your immune system, specifically a kind of white blood cell called a CD4 cell, which is essential for protecting your body against infections and diseases. The HIV-1 Ab test is used to find these specific antibodies in your blood, making it a crucial tool for diagnosing HIV-1 infection. It's important to understand that the presence of HIV-1 Ab shows exposure to the virus, but not necessarily an active infection, as your body can make these antibodies even after the virus is no longer present.

If Your Levels Are High

Elevated levels of HIV-1 Ab might mean that your body has come into contact with the HIV-1 virus, and it's trying to fight it off by making these specific antibodies. This could be due to an ongoing infection or a past encounter with the virus. Some medications, like those used to treat HIV, could also affect the amount of these antibodies in your body. Additionally, other health conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, might cause your body to produce these antibodies.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of HIV-1 Ab may not be immediately noticeable, as the body's response to the virus can vary widely. However, some individuals might experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes.

If Your Levels are Low

A low level of HIV-1 Ab might mean that your body hasn't come into contact with the HIV-1 virus, or it could be that your immune system hasn't made enough of these antibodies to be detected yet. Sometimes, factors like age, overall health, or taking certain medications (like immunosuppressants) can affect how your immune system responds, which might also explain the low levels. In a few cases, having low HIV-1 Ab levels could be due to a different health issue that impacts your immune system's ability to create antibodies.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of HIV-1 Ab are typically absent, as this simply suggests a lack of exposure to the HIV-1 virus.

See References

Test for

HIV-1 Antibody

HIV Ab-Ag Panel, 5th Generation

Access Med Labs

Serum

This panel determines the absense or presence of antibodies to HIV. The presence of antibody to HIV is not in itself diagnostic of AIDS. Reactive results will be sent for confirmation at an additional charge.

STD Panel, Comprehensive

Access Med Labs

Urine

Serum

This panel is used to help diagnose HIV, syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

HIV Ab-Ag Screen, 5th Generation

Access Labcorp Draw

Serum

This panel determines the absence or presence of antibodies to HIV. The presence of antibody to HIV is not in itself diagnostic of AIDS. Reactive results will be sent for confirmation at an additional charge.

STD Panel

Access Med Labs

Serum

This panel is used to help diagnose HIV, syphillis, and herpes.

CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

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